By Max Bentley

The former Juventus coach is aiming for a winning start ahead of their Italian cup fixture against Juve Stabia and hopes to add to his squad before the big kick off

Sampdoria's campaign gets under way this weekend in the Coppa Italia against Juve Stabia, and manager Ciro Ferrara is keen to avoid complacency.

Sampdoria face Barcelona in the Joan Gamper Trophy on Monday evening before starting their league campagin away at AC Milan next weekend. Ferrara, though, is focused on continuing the club's great tradition in the Coppa Italia.

"The Gamper Trophy is a prestigious showcase, but I always told the lads that we can not look beyond the next 24 hours. We will start talking about Barcelona and AC Milan after the challenge of the Italian Cup," he told the club's official website.

"I know the difficulties that we will encounter," he added. "I expect a lot of pressure."

Sampdoria have strengthened their side, with the signings of Brazilians Eder and Renan from Cesena and FC Cluj respectively, yet Ferrara has hinted that he would like to make a few more additions to the squad before the league campaign kicks off, and one player linked has been Malaga midfielder Enzo Maresca.

"I have a clear idea of what actions are to be taken and I have talked with [director] Pasquale Sensibile."I'm sure there will be movement, both inbound and outbound. Maresca is not a Sampdoria player, so I can only give you an opinion if this deal materialises. "

The 45-year-old coach was also asked about the title credentials of league champions Juventus, for whom he made 253 appearances in a 12-year spell.

"The Bianconeri are strong champions and if they have the same hunger as last year, [they] will start favourites. The other teams, however, should not be underestimated."